During a business trip in Almere, I had the chance to visit Amsterdam for the first time and enjoyed the amazing network of channels passing through the city. I want to share with you Amsterdam in a black and white mood. ************ ************ ************ ************ ************ Where to stay in Amsterdam – Editor’s Picks …
These surprising facts touch upon the most famous icons of the Netherlands—from tulips and Van Gogh to windmills, clogs, and liberal laws. Holland isn’t the Netherlands Though it’s become totally acceptable to call the Netherlands “Holland,” Holland originally referred to two regions within the Netherlands: North Holland and South Holland. Amsterdam is located in North …
Visiting the famous windmills of the Kinderdijk is a truly moving experience. These windmills were originally built to pump water out of the country, which highlights the fact that the Netherlands has been sinking into the North Sea for centuries. Much of the Netherlands is comprised of peat bogs, and the Dutch used to harvest …
From 17th century brick buildings inspired by Gothicism and French classicism to ultra-modern buildings that would make even London’s Gherkin blush; Amsterdam’s architecture seems to come at you from all angles. In fact, rotting wooden foundations have made many buildings list threateningly, and architect Renzo Piano has even built a museum that looks like …
The Netherlands has so many fascinating cities that it’s tempting to ignore the verdant countryside. However, this isn’t just any countryside: this is The Netherlands, where two-thirds of the land is below sea level and the vast green fields are framed and dissected by canals. The three villages of Volendam, Edam, and Marken are less …
Onboard Viking Odin, I left the Port of Amsterdam and cruised north to the fishing village of Volendam. I was lucky enough to have the experience thanks to Viking River Cruise, who had invited EuropeUpClose.com on a three-day mini cruise after the christening of their new longships. My cruise companions and I would visit Volendam, …
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Amsterdam, then you basically have to choose between being in the middle of the madness or being slightly removed from it. Ever since Holland decriminalized the sale and use of marijuana, this place has become a pilgrimage spot for any young rebel worth his/her weight in booze …
Introduction to The Netherlands The Netherlands is one of the smaller countries of continental Europe, but the largest of three countries comprising “Benelux” (the others being Belgium and Luxembourg). Much of the country is below sea level and the country’s lands have been reclaimed using complex waterworks projects (canals) over the years. The Dutch are known for …
‘God created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands’, the old saying goes. Unique, idiosyncratic, functional and pretty – no more is the gloriously enchanting lifestyle of the Dutch on display than in the cosy cultural hub of Utrecht. Located just one hour by train from the hash cafes and hedonism of Amsterdam, Utrecht is modest …
Maastricht is located in that tiny bit of land stretching out to the south of the Netherlands, a narrow strip of land in between Belgium and Germany. And the vestiges of a Roman city beginning here as early as 50 B.C. shows Maastricht to be the oldest city in the Netherlands. Because of its strategic …